Transportation device

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a transportation vehicle ( 10 ) which is used in transporting passengers and/or goods, which utilizes wind power and the elevating force of water and which has a passenger cabin ( 5 ) that moves above water level. The transportation vehicle realized in order to attain the objects of this invention comprises at least one main body ( 12 ) which travels at a certain height above water level; an air unit ( 11 ) comprising at least one sail ( 1 ) which extends perpendicularly to the water surface and which is connected to this main body ( 12 ); and at least one underwater unit ( 13 ) which travels underwater and which is again connected to the main body ( 12 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a transportation vehicle which is used intransporting passengers and/or goods, which utilizes wind power and theelevating force of water and which has a passenger cabin that movesabove water level.

PRIOR ART

In the state of art, transportation vehicles which travel on water stayabove water level due to elevating force and travel on water level bymeans of the drive created by the propellers located below water leveland/or the sails located above water level. By means of the sails, thevehicle can travel by utilizing wind power without consuming anysolid/liquid/gas fuels.

However, in known vehicles, the drag force created by water is greateras the body of the transportation vehicle contacts water; as a result,more power is necessary to actuate this mass. Apart from this, thevehicle loses balance as wind power increases due to the fact that thedrag vectors of the sails are above the balance center of the vehicle.

For solving this problem and the like certain suggestions have been madein the art. Among these, in the New Zealand patent application NZ516114a sail is utilized having a rotation axis fixed to the body whichcontacts water surface. Herein, different from the traditionalstructure, wings placed on both sides of the body which help maintainbalance are used.

Whereas, in the embodiment disclosed in site with the URL addresshttp://foxxaero.homestead.com/indsail 028.html a parachute is attachedto the body of the freight vessel in order to ensure fuel economy. Inthis embodiment the angle of the parachute is adjusted according to thedirection of the wind by controlling it by means of a computer.

A sail wing is attached to the boat (Flying Boat) disclosed in internetsite with URL address http://www.seair.com/. In this way, the boat takesoff after reaching a certain speed by accelerating by means of theengine at the rear end and flies similar to an airplane. Thus, it wouldbe more appropriate to regard this as a double function vehicle whichcan both travel on sea and air. In this vehicle, benefitingsimultaneously from water and wind power is not aimed.

The boat called the Dingbat, which can be seen in the internet site withthe URL http://foxxaero.homestead.com/indsail026.html and which isdesigned by Bill Rayner and Clif Barker, utilizes a wing attached to thebody by means of a metal connection and a mechanism similar to a glidercomposed of a tail and a rudder located underwater at the rear end ofthe boat is used. In this way, the boat can travel by means of windpower without requiring any other power and can be directed by means ofthe tail located underwater. By elevating from water level the wetsurfaces of the boat decreases as its speed increases. Only the tailcontacts water when highest amount of speed is attained.

Although utilizing wind power by using different sail types or travelingabove water level as stated above is ensured, not any invention hasdisclosed a vehicle which enables large dimensioned freight or passengervessels to travel solely with wind power, with a performance similar toa motor-vehicle and also above water level.

Furthermore, in vehicles which utilize wind power problems ofoverbalance arising from the increases in wind power have not beenencountered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to realize a transportation vehicle whichhas a body which is minimally affected from wave vibrations and surfacecurrents.

Another object of this invention is to realize a transportation vehiclewhich utilizes wind power much more effectively.

Yet another object of this invention is to realize a transportationvehicle which can maintain its balance in spite of high wind speeds.

The transportation vehicle realized in order to attain the objects ofthis invention comprises at least one main body which travels at acertain height above water level; an air unit comprising at least onesail which extends perpendicularly to the water surface and which isconnected to this main body; and at least one underwater unit whichtravels underwater and which is again connected to the main body.

The transportation vehicle utilizes wind power by means of its air unit,and water by means of its underwater engine.

A comfortable journey is provided for passengers as the body of thetransportation vehicle, which is the subject of the invention, travelsabove water level. Furthermore, the pleasures of both flying and sailingcan be experienced when the vehicle is solely used for traveling.Moreover, it is economical as excessive fuel consumption is prevented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The transportation vehicle realized in order to attain the objects ofthis invention is illustrated in the accompanying FIGURE, wherein;

FIGURE 1—is a schematic view of the transportation vehicle which is thesubject of the invention.

The components in the figures have each been numbered corresponding thefollowing:

-   1. Sail-   2. Sail depot-   3. Connection components-   4. Casing-   5. Passenger cabin-   6. Compartment-   7. Casing depot-   8. Cover-   9. Wing-   10. Transportation vehicle-   11. Air unit-   12. Main body-   13. Underwater unit-   14. Propeller-   15. Flap

The transportation vehicle (10), which is the subject of the invention,consists of three units: an air unit (11), a main body (12) and anunderwater unit (13).

The air unit (11) is used in obtaining drive from wind power. The airunit (11) is composed of at least one sail (1) which extendssubstantially perpendicular to water level and which ensures drive, andat least one sail depot (2) wherein the sail (1) is attached.

The sail (1) is a surface which resembles airplane/glider wings andwhich could create a drive aerodynamically. This sail (1) can have anyaerofoil cross-section used frequently in air crafts or a dint plateshape. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two sails(1) attached to both sides of the depot (2). However, in differentembodiments of the invention, it is also possible to have more than onesails which are placed parallel to each other, and one over the otherand/or one behind the other at definite gaps. Dimension of each sail canbe different or identical when more than one sail is used. The sail hasa structure comprising a plastic framework which is preferably inflatedby means of compressors, wherein there are canals which form appropriatewing profile when they receive wind, and has a similar structure to aparaglider, and can be shortened or extended to both sides.

However, in the alternative embodiments of the invention, it is alsopossible to produce the sail from a fabric having suitablecharacteristics which is attached to the rigid framework. It can also beproduced of a completely rigid material such as metal, plastic orcomposite.

The sail (1) can be elevated to different heights (h) in order toprevent it from being effected from storm and similar weatherconditions. However, positioning the sail just above the sea level andalmost perpendicular to the surface is preferred.

The sail's (1) connection with the main body (12) and its mechanicalcontrol is realized by means of the depot (2). The depot (2) has ageometrical shape similar to a pointed tip ellipsoid in order tominimize the drag force. In accordance with the speed and elevationforce required by the transportation vehicle (10), there are mechanismssuch as, a compressor for inflating the sail, an engine, a drum whereonthe sail is wrapped etc. necessary for shortening and extending thelength (L) of the sail and changing the attack angle (a). In anotherembodiment of the invention, the sail is controlled by means ofelectrical cables connected to the engine/compressor. Yet in anotherembodiment of the invention, these operations are realized by means ofradio waves sent from the passenger cabin (5) to the engine without theuse of any cables.

Depot (2) is connected to the main body (6) by means of at least oneconnection component (3). This component (3) can be wire, tube, rope orcord. However, it is preferably steel cord.

The main body (12) is composed of a passenger cabin (5) wherein thepassengers are located, a casing (4) and a casing depot (drag center)(7). In an embodiment of the invention, the main body (12) comprises acompartment (6) which ensures the connection with the underwater unit orwherein the freight is transported.

The passenger cabin (5) can have any geometrical shape; it can beproduced as a disc or like an aircraft body. The formation of leastamount of drag in terms of aerodynamics is aimed when the passengercabin is being formed. In an alternative embodiment of the invention,there are wings (not shown) on both sides of the passenger cabin and aperpendicular tail (not shown) at its rear end. These wings and tailsensure an additional elevation force for the passenger cabin when thevehicle is traveling at a definite speed. Pilothouse, cabins etc. can bearranged in the passenger cabin. The passenger cabin is preferablyproduced from composite materials in order to provide lightness.

During travel of the passenger cabin (1) at a certain height above waterlevel, the pressure of the compressed air between the water level andthe passenger cabin increases and in this way additional elevation forceis applied to the passenger cabin.

The compartment (6) located below the passenger cabin (5) is formed inorder to transport freight in its own area and/or to drag the freight inanother compartment such as the underwater unit (13) and/or drag thefreight carriers which are similar to tag boats that remain behind thevehicle and also to carry the hydraulic mechanism which maintains theparallel position of the passenger cabin when the main body, whichconnects the underwater unit with the unit located above water level,inclines especially due to wind power. This compartment (6) is producedto be integrated with the passenger cabin in the best way possible toprevent the separation of air current from the surface, the occurrenceof turbulences and the increase of drag force arising due to thesereasons. Moreover, it is positioned just above sea level in order notto, or slightly overbalance the vehicle.

Casing (4) is a part wherein the components (3) which ensure theconnection between the main body (12) and the air and underwater units(11 and 13) are joined. Preferably, it has a hollow, rigid cylindricalshape. It is fixed to the passenger cabin. The parts (cord, cable etc.)which ensure mechanic and electrical connection to the air andunderwater units (I 1 and 13) pass through this casing (4).

One end of the casing (4) is fixed to the casing depot (7). The parts(cords, cable etc.) which ensure mechanic and electrical connection tothe air and underwater units are kept and/or opened and wrapped insidethis depot (7). For the said wrapping process there are rollers whichcan be actuated manually or by means of a motor. In the preferredembodiment of the invention, the casing depot is a disc shapedcompartment fixed to the passenger cabin by means of a foot.

Underwater unit (13) comprises a cover (8), a propeller (14) locatedoutside this cover and at least one wing (9). The cover performsfunctions as a balance center. Just like a submarine it comprisescomponents such as a motor(s), a generator(s), a pump(s), ballasttank(s) etc. These components are used in controlling the depth andspeed of the underwater unit. Underwater unit (13) is connected to themain body (12) by means of at least one connection component (4). Thisconnection component (4) can be resilient or, preferably, rigid. Thiscomponent shall be able to carry the main body. The depth of theunderwater unit and in this way the height of the main body can beadjusted by adjusting the angle and height of the connection component.Preferably, the cable(s) which enables controlling the underwater unitalso passes through this component (4). The casing has a hydrodynamicstructure in order to reduce drag force. The propeller which is actuatedby means of the engine creates the drive required to actuate theunderwater unit.

The wings (9) of the underwater unit can be integrated with orindependent from the casing. These wings (9) preferably have invertedprofile and create a downward elevation force. By means of the power ofthe wings (9), it is aimed to neutralize the vertically directedcomponent of the elevation force of the sail located in the air unit andto navigate the vehicle in the desired direction. The underwater unitand thus the transportation vehicle can be navigated by includingcomponents such as flaps (15) and eleron to these wings.

The underwater unit (13) is operated by lowering it to a certain depthin order to prevent it from being effected from the waves on watersurface. The underwater unit which operates mainly at depths whereinlaminar currents are dominant is more efficient.

Computerized and electronic components are utilized in order tofacilitate the connection between certain units of the transportationvehicle.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

When the transportation vehicle (10), which is the subject of theinvention, is lying at anchor at harbor or on open water, the sails (1)are wrapped around the drum which is kept inside the sail depot (2). Andduring this time, the main body either floats on water or is above waterlevel at a certain height due to the elevation force of the underwaterunit.

By controlling the underwater unit from the passenger cabin the engineis actuated and drive is obtained and by means of this drive the vehicleis navigated out of the harbor. When appropriate, the underwater unit islowered to a depth wherein it will be least effected from waves.Moreover, by adjusting the height of the connection component, the mainbody is elevated to a height whereon it will be least affected fromwaves.

Afterwards, the casing is positioned in accordance with the directionand wind. Then, the sail is released from the sail depot (2) at acertain length. When a suitable form is established by filling theframework of the sail with pressurized gas, the sail is again releasedat a certain length. When suitable space is formed depending on thewind, the sail and the sail depot moves with wind power. Releasing andelevating the sail continues depending on desired speed. Then anavigation position is taken wherein the sail is far from the main bodyas possible and its area is increased as required. Fuel consumption canbe economized by turning off the engine of the underwater unit when thesails provide sufficient amount of power.

The transportation vehicle can incline forwards depending on the angleof the force formed by the sail. To prevent this forward inclination,the position of the main body is straightened by moving the underwaterwings (9) to suitable positions. Or, by adjusting the resilientconnections the passenger cabin and the underwater unit are positionedto be parallel to the horizon. Adjusting the angles of the wings and thesail continues throughout navigation by taking into consideration thechanges in direction, wind and underwater currents.

Upon arrival to the harbor, the sails are collected and the engine ofthe underwater unit is actuated.

As the passenger cabin travels above water level it is not subjected tovibrations caused by waves. And the underwater unit can be lowered toany depth. It is preferred that the underwater unit is at a depthwherein it is not affected from waves. In this way, the wings (9) absorband minimize the vibrations on the body and balance is maintained.Furthermore, as the engine and the propeller are operated in a laminarflow environment they operate with maximum efficiency. This increasesthe longevity of the engine and also minimizes fuel consumption.

A comfortable journey is provided for the passengers as the body of thetransportation vehicle, which is the subject of the invention, travelsabove water level. Furthermore, passengers and freight are not affectedfrom strong waves occurring in adverse weather conditions and they willexperience minimal vibrations. Due to these reasons the invention isadvantageous. Furthermore, an average of 20% saving in fuel consumptionis ensured.

It is possible to develop a wide range of embodiments, and the inventionis principally as disclosed in the claims and it cannot be restrictedwith the examples stated herein.

1. A transportation vehicle (10) comprising; a) an air unit (11)comprising at least one sail (1) which is above water level, which isused to obtain drive from wind power, and/or; b) an underwater unit (13)which travels underwater, comprising at least one wing which maintainsthe balance of the vehicle by neutralizing the vertical and upwarddirected component of the drive vector formed by the sail, and; a mainbody (12) which is located between the said air unit and the underwaterunit, comprising a passenger cabin (5) whereon the air unit and theunderwater unit is connected, which travels above water level, andwherein passengers are carried characterized in that, the distancebetween the passenger cabin (5) and the air and underwater units (11 and13), the height and the angle of the air unit (11) and the depth and theangle of the water unit (13) are adjusted by means of components (3)which are between the passenger cabin (5) and the air and underwaterunits, (11 and 13) are wrapped and, the underwater unit (13) is thebalance center of the transportation vehicle (10) by the way that itenables the pressure of the compressed air between the water level andthe passenger cabin to increase and the additional elevation force to beapplied to the passenger cabin (5).
 2. A transportation vehicle asdefined in claim 1 characterized with wings (9) by means of which thevertically directed component of the elevation force of the sail locatedin the air unit is neutralized to navigate the vehicle in the desireddirection without losing it's balance
 3. A transportation vehicle (10)as defined in claim 1 or 2 characterized with an air unit (11) whichcomprises a sail depot (2) wherein the sail (1) is attached.
 4. Atransportation vehicle (10) as defined in claim 1 to 3 characterizedwith an underwater unit (13) which comprises an engine which creates thedrive.
 5. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined in any of the claimsabove characterized with a main body (12) which comprises a casing (4)which is fixed to the passenger cabin (5) and wherein the component (3)which ensures the connection between the air and underwater units passesand a casing depot (drag center) (7) wherein the said component (3) iskept.
 6. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined in any of the claimsabove characterized with two sails (1) fixed to both sides of the depot(2).
 7. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined in any of the claimsabove characterized with more than one sails which are positionedparallel to each other and one over the other and/or one behind theother at definite gaps.
 8. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined inany of the claims above characterized with a sail comprising a plasticframework which is preferably inflated by means of compressors, canalswhich form appropriate wing profile when they receive wind, having asimilar structure to a paraglider, and which can be shortened orextended to both sides.
 9. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined inclaims 1-6 characterized with a sail composed of a rigid framework and afabric attached therein.
 10. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined inany of the claims above characterized with a resilient connectionlocated between the air unit and the main body.
 11. A transportationvehicle (10) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with arigid or a resilient connection located between the underwater unit andthe main body.
 12. A transportation vehicle (10) as defined in any ofthe claims above characterized with a main body (12) comprising acompartment (6) wherein the component, which ensure connection with theunderwater unit, is located or wherein the freight is carried.
 13. Atransportation vehicle (10) as defined in any of the claims abovecharacterized with an underwater unit (13) which can control depth andspeed as it comprises a cover (8) which protects the engine and whereona propeller is fixed, and just like submarine, components such as amotor(s), a generator(s), a pump(s), ballast tank(s) etc.
 14. Atransportation vehicle (10) as defined in any of the claims abovecharacterized with computerized and electronic components to ensure theconnection and the control between certain units.
 15. A transportationvehicle (10) as defined in claim 1 characterized with a component (3)between the air unit (11) and the underwater unit (13) or the passengercabin (5) and the underwater unit (13), the length of which can beadjusted.